When I was pregnant and needed to start shopping for baby stuff, I was absolutely clueless on the plethora of products that a tiny human being could use. As always I turned to the internet for help. I read several blogs and articles and was soon overwhelmed. Do I really need all of that stuff? How much of it would be actually useful? I panicked and reached out to my sister for help. With her help I was able to go about buying the things that I needed.
I figured putting down my experience could help someone in the same boat.
I’ve broken down the things to buy into categories like Sleeping, Nursing, Bathing, Getting Around, Diapering, Clothing, Medicine Cabinet and Others. In addition to the products I bought, when possible I’ll also try to give alternative choices and other useful links that you can consider based on your needs and likes.
By no means am I saying that these are the best products available. What works for one baby may not necessarily work for another. At the very least, this blog could serve as a basic checklist of things to buy and give you some ideas on what to look for.
Sleeping
Before I had a baby, I was so ignorant on the subject that I didn’t even know that babies need to nap so frequently! I soon learnt that a baby spends a lot of its time sleeping. Needless to say it is very important to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the baby to sleep.
It is considered dangerous (due to SIDS risk) to keep anything in the crib like loose blankets, crib bumpers, soft toys etc. So I skipped all of that and kept it to the bare basics.
1. Crib
DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Rail
Other useful links:
2. Fitted Crib Sheets
I bought 3 sheets.
Ziggy Baby Jersey Cotton Fitted Crib Sheet Set, Grey/White, 2 Pack
3. Mattress Pads
Buy at least 2 of these so you have one handy in case of leaks.
American Baby Company Waterproof Fitted Crib and Toddler Protective Mattress Pad Cover
4. Crib Mattress
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib Mattress
5. Hammock
Even though I bought this hammock as an alternative sleeping space (maybe for naps), my baby did not really like being in a hammock. So this was hardly used except for a handful of times when she was a newborn. But if you are looking to buy a hammock, this is a really nice one and of very good quality.
SUNNY – Warming Blanket for the Kaya & Koala Hammocks
6. Baby Carrier
This single item has been my absolute savior and I could not have survived the initial months without this! I used this carrier for a majority of my baby’s naps until she was about 5 and a half months old. She was a cat napper and refused to sleep more than 40 minutes in the crib (and that is on good days!). The carrier was the only way she would nap up to 2-3 hours.This gave me my sanity. Also, there is nothing sweeter than your baby snuggling against your chest and sleeping peacefully. I would highly recommend a baby carrier.
As to the types of carriers, there are several of them – structured carriers, sling wraps etc. This is one I used. ErgoBaby is another popular brand.
Other useful links:
Baby Carriers – a baby and parents’ best friend
7. Sleeping Bag / Muslin Cloth Swaddle
Most newborns sleep better when swaddled. You could either use a regular muslin cloth for swaddling or buy one of the wearable blankets that make swaddling a breeze.
I initially only had the muslin cloth swaddles and my questionable skills at swaddling soon led me to buy the halo sleep sack. The halo sleep sack has cotton, muslin and micro fleece versions based on your preference.
HALO 100% Cotton SleepSack Swaddle
Other useful links:
Other things that you may consider buying:
Bassinet, Co-sleeper, Swing, Baby Monitor, Crib Mobile, Crib Skirts (decorative purpose only)
Nursing
I plan to exclusively breast feed my baby for the first 6 months and if possible even beyond. So I do not have any idea on what feeding supplies would be needed when formula feeding.
1. Nursing pillow
I considered the following 2 options and ended up buying the my brest friend nursing pillow. It has held up well in these 6 months and I have washed the cover several times in the washer. It provides good back support as well.
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
2. Burp cloths/ receiving blankets
These are small thin flannel cloths that are perfect as burp cloths to clean spit ups. They are too small to be used for swaddling though.
Luvable Friends 4-Pack Flannel Receiving Blankets
3. Bibs
The bandana style bibs that I got were slightly bigger for my newborn. They are expensive but very soft and of good quality. I used the Ikea bibs extensively and with $4 for 3 bibs you can’t go wrong 🙂
Baby Bandana Drool Bibs By Daulia
Bathing
I remember how terrified I was to bathe my newborn! Newborns don’t need to be bathed until their umblical cord falls off. I just used a washcloth for the first 10-15 days to wipe her down and then moved on to bathing her in a bath tub.
1. Baby bath tub
This baby bath tub has a mesh sling with headrest that you can use until baby is a little bit older. After that, you can remove the sling and just use it like a regular tub.
The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub
2. Washcloths and cotton balls
The Motherhood Collection 6 ULTRA SOFT Baby Bath Washcloths
2. Hooded towel
Any towel will do. The hooded ones are just cute!
3. Massage Oil
I use coconut oil for massaging baby. Other popular choices are almond oil, mustard oil, grape seed oil, olive oil.
Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Cold Pressed Unrefined
Other useful links:
4. Shampoo and Body Wash
I use only one product as both shampoo and body wash. At least one less item to deal with!
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Shampoo and Wash Oatmilk Calendula
Other useful links:
Safe Baby Wash, Bubble Bath & Soap Guide
5. Moisturizing Body Lotion
Babo Botanicals Oatmilk Calendula Moisturizing Baby Lotion
Other useful links:
Getting Around
1. Stroller
I wanted a light weight stroller and chose the Cruz. Of course there are several other good options. I chose between the Uppababy Cruz, Stokke Scoot and the Bugaboo Bee
Other useful links:
2. Infant Car Seat
Even though I used the infant car seat, this is one of those purchases that in retrospect I feel I could have skipped. Yes it was useful and easy to snap the car seat from the car to the stroller. But I used this only for a very short time. When my baby was around 5 months , I moved on to the bigger car seat even though I could have actually used this for longer (I sold this in Craigslist for a good price. So no regrets 😉 ).
Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 Infant Car Seat
3. Adapter for infant car seat
UPPAbaby Infant Car Seat Adapter for Graco
4. Car Seat
Britax USA Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Guide to the Best & Safest Convertible Car Seats of 2016
Diapering
1. Diapers
Huggies Little Snugglers Baby Diapers
2. Changing Table
This changing table has no doubt been a very useful addition to my baby’s nursery. The 4 drawers help me keep all baby things in one place neatly organized. It does not have safety straps though. But so far I haven’t missed it terribly. One thing that I really like about this table is that it converts into a desk when the child gets older.
3. Wet Wipes
HUGGIES Simply Clean Baby Wipes
Huggies Simply Clean Baby Wipes -Portable packs
Other useful links:
4. Diaper Cream
I use diaper cream for night time and Vaseline during day time.
Babo Botanicals Soothing Diaper Cream
Other useful links:
5. Vaseline Unscented Petroleum Jelly
6. Changing Pad and Cover
I use this changing pad on the changing table as a soft surface for baby to lay on. However, the sides keep getting deflated and I’ve stopped bothering to re-inflate them.
7. Diaper Pail / Trash Can with Lid
So far I’ve only used a regular trash can with lid for throwing away soiled diapers. But I may consider buying a diaper pail if things get a little too stinky on starting solids 😀
8. Hand Sanitizer
Clothing
Keep in mind the weather when you buy clothes and buying accordingly.
1.Basic Onesies – About 10-15
2. Sleep -n -Plays – About 4-5
3. Caps
4. Socks
Medicine Cabinet
Make an at-home medicine kit and stock it with these essentials.
1.Digital Thermometer
A thermometer is a must-have when you have a baby at home. Rectal thermometers give the most accurate results
Safety 1st Gentle Read Rectal Thermometer
Other useful links:
What’s The Best Baby Thermometer? (Mom’s Guide 2016)
2.Infant Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
3. Saline Nose Drops
Little Remedies Noses Saline Spray/Drops
4.Bulb Syringe (Nasal Aspirator)
5. Gripe Water
For those crazy nights when nothing worked I tried gripe water (with the approval of the pediatrician). But I am not sure if it was much help. Anyway, if you decide to get gripe water make sure to get a brand that does not have alcohol and sucrose. I used this one.
Mommys Bliss Gripe Water Original
Other useful links:
Gripe Water for newborns and babies
6. Antibiotic Cream for small cuts or scratches – this is something I’ve been meaning to get but haven’t so far.
Others
1. Baby Nail Cutter / Nail File
Initially I was scared to cut my baby’s nails and got a nail file. But soon I felt that it was not enough to do the job and got a nail cutter instead.
Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Clipper
Baby Nail File by baby blue giraffe
2. Laundry Detergent
There is no need to buy a separate laundry detergent for baby. But I wanted to use a fragrance free hypoallergenic laundry detergent. I also did not want to spend too much money on very expensive laundry detergents. So I switched to this one for the entire family and so far it has worked fine for us.
Seventh Generation Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent – Free and Clear
Other useful links:
3. Laundry Basket – I like to keep baby’s clothes separate from ours.
4. Rocker/ Bouncer
A rocker/bouncer gives you a place to plop the baby down besides the floor and keeps the baby entertained for a while. There are so many rockers/bouncers and you could choose just any of them. I got this one.
Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Rocker
5. Humidifier
When my newborn was about a month old she had a runny nose. My sister recommended that I get a humidifier and it helped tremendously. I use it only with water and not with essential oils.
6. Sunscreen
7. Weighing Scale
During the initial days of having the baby, I was paranoid that she was not gaining enough weight and rushed to buy a weighing scale. Now its just lying in a corner gathering dust. I hardly ever use it. But I am just listing it here since I did buy it.
Health o meter Grow with Me 2-in-1 Baby to Toddler Scale with Growth Chart Book
8. Diaper Bag
I hate the typical mommy diaper bags and just bought a large regular bag that I use as a diaper bag.
9. Pacifier
I did not use a pacifier for my baby. If you choose to use one, the below links may be helpful.
Pacifiers: Pros, cons, and smart ways to use them
15 Best Pacifiers — How to Find the Right One for Your Baby
10. Board Books
A newborn’s developing eyes are stimulated by high contrast board books. I got a couple of them. You can also make DIY high contrast charts and pictures.
11. Wall Decals for Nursery
Walls decals and stickers are a fun way to spruce up a nursery. I stuck these on the walls at the time not realizing how captivated my little one would be with these pictures. She loves looking at them and happily chats away with her animal friends!
Nursery Wall Sticker Decals for Boys and Girls Children’s Wall D¨¦cor Art Sticker Zoo Wall Decals
Baby Kids Safari Animals Train Wall Stickers
Rainbow Fox Forest Animals and Owls wall stickers
12. Play Gym
A play gym is a brightly colored interactive mat for your baby to play on. In the newborn stage they don’t actively play in it. But my baby loved looking at the lights in it. I was careful not to overstimulate her since newborns can get over tired easily.
But around the 3 months stage is when she really started enjoying this play gym. She would entertain herself in it for up to 30 minutes at a time, batting at the toys and “talking” to them. That gave me just enough time to have dinner cooked!
Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe Gym
So that was all the things I bought for my newborn. Phew! That list felt endless.
Baby Products 
Good one Anitha… Very informative for new moms
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Very informative!Good job Anitha!!
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Anitha.. Never realised we got so many things for the baby.. This is really good. A suggestion (I am now an obsessive reviewer…!), hospital kit / check list could be a category as well.
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Thanks Lakshmi! Great suggestion. Will try to include
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